Last Night's Action: Height of Mediocrity

Photograph of the Nets' Vince Carter trying to keep the ball from the Knicks' David Lee by Seth Wenig/AP

• Nets 106, Knicks 91: At this points, with Knicks fans just assuming defeat, the Nets picked a good time to avoid embarrassment and finally take down their rivals. Vince Carter had 27 points and Richard Jefferson poured in 26. New Jersey has faint playoff aspirations. They probably won't make it, but at least they have something to play for. They're a game out of the eighth and final spot. Meanwhile, only the Heat stand between the Knicks and the best chance to win the draft lottery. They've lost five in a row and 12 of 13 as they mail in the end of another season.
• Islanders 4, Penguins 1: Officially out of playoff contention, the Islanders can still affect the other locals with wins. They did just that Monday by beating the Penguins. That helped the Devils, who can still secure the top spot in the division or the conference. "We have a feisty group in here," said goalie Wade Dubielewicz. He did not go on to add "but not feisty enough to compete for a playoff berth."